The Ikaaran species is canon, although full-blooded Ikaarans are never seen, and only one's name (Esilia, Jonathan Archer's wife) is ever mentioned. I write Ikaarans as having a major population problem on Ikaaria, causing them to separate their children by gender and send out single-sex work gangs to farm or mine. After a few years, the ships return, and another set goes out. I also have them handle their population problem by building in a form of genetic self-destruction, an early death they call 'the decline'.

In canon, Archer meets Esilia when her ship is caught in a spatial anomaly. I follow that, but since I provide two kicks back in time, Esilia is only there for the second go-'round. This scene takes place during the first.

E2 timeline, taking place during The Three of Us. These guys are the other couple. When Lili was hired, she replaced Preston, who was moved over to Navigation as a part of the amp-up to the Xindi War. Preston shows up in More, More, More! and Before the Fall; Luke shows up in A Perfect Note.

Back to the prime timeline, and what life is like when you're part of an open marriage. Direct sequel to Temper and Tumult.

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